ECHL player may face assault charge

[Terry]

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
THE CANADIAN PRESS

VICTORIA -- A hockey player with the Victoria Salmon Kings could soon be facing assault charges after an on-ice brawl two weeks ago.

Police began the probe after a formal complaint made by Las Vegas Wranglers player Chris Ferraro, who says he was sucker punched by tough-guy Robin Gomez during the second period of the ECHL game.

"Based on the investigation we will recommend a charge," said Victoria Police Sgt. Grant Hamilton.

Ferraro received a concussion and needed eight stitches after bashing his head on the ice during the March 1 game.

Video shows Ferraro being helped off the ice by two people, leaving a pool of blood on the ice.

Victoria police interviewed both men, referees and other witnesses before recommending that Gomez be charged with criminal assault.

Hamilton said it's not up to police to make the final decision on charges.

"It's one of those situations that happens within a sporting environment," Hamilton said. "I guess it's up to Crown to decide whether it's excessive or not."

The ECHL has suspended Gomez for the remainder of the season.

www.sportsnet.ca/more/2008/03/18/Assault-0/

[Ronald Ohlander]

what is it with bc teams and sucker punches?

[chaytercon1]

This is why leagues need to up the punishment on careless acts on the ice. I just hate it when the law gets involved in stuff like this. You could call assault on 90% on the penalties that happen in hockey.

[Terry]

It happened in Victoria so that's why the cops are involved. I could honestly see players refusing to play B.C. teams in B.C. if the law keeps sticking its nose into the game.

[chaytercon1]

I would, it ruins the game. Players have the understanding that a sever injury could happen whether it is done purposely or accidentally. I think it is time that the professional sports world has players or their unions work out a contract whereby they can't get law inforcement involved.

The first step is to up the punishment on vicious acts on the ice. I don't see LMB pitchers getting charged with assault when they chuck a ball at someone's head . . .

[davetheblaze]

For hockey the only place I see that the law is involved is in stick work to the head, thats it as far as I am concerned.
I cant stand the police getting involved in any sport, in the street bumping into someone can be classed as assualt and the threat of assault is assault so every player would be on a charge if they want to be stupid.

I had been considering whether there would be some kind of contract which means pro sportsmen sign away any legal issues.